I. ˈtər]d. ə l, ˈtə̄], ˈtəi], ]t ə l noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English turtil, turtle, from Old English turtla, from Latin turtur, of imitative origin like Greek tetraōn heath cock, tetrix, a bird (perhaps the pipit), Sanskrit tittira francolin
archaic : turtledove
the voice of the turtle is heard in our land — Song of Sol 2:12 (Authorized Version)
II. noun
( plural turtles also turtle )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: probably by folk etymology (influence of turtle ) (I) from French tortue, probably from (assumed) Vulgar Latin tartaruca, from Late Latin tartarucha, feminine of tartaruchus of Tartarus, from Greek tartarouchos, from Tartaros Tartarus, the infernal regions; from the turtle's having been regarded in ancient times as an infernal creature
1. : a reptile of the order Testudinata — used especially of the more aquatic and especially marine members of the order; compare terrapin , tortoise ; see green turtle
2. : sienna brown
3.
a. : the curved section of the plate cylinder of a type-revolving press to which the type matter is locked
b. : a 2-wheeled form truck for making up and transporting a newspaper page prior to stereotyping
4. : turtleneck
III. intransitive verb
( turtled ; turtled ; turtling ]d. ə liŋ, ]t( ə )l- ; turtles )
: to catch turtles especially as an occupation